Political Patronage Continues

Stumbled across this this morning:

Prematee Ramnarine, mother of former Security Intelligence Agency (SSA) head Reshmi Ramnarine, has been promised a promotion to the post of Clerk IV at the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (Namdevco)—a position that does not exist in the establishment.

Ramnarine, who has more than 25 years’ service, approached the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) last year, claiming she had been bypassed for a promotion. In a bid to bring a speedy resolution to the matter, former chairman Robert Ramsamooj agreed to enter into a voluntary conciliation mediation agreement between Namdevco and Ramnarine.

Yes, you read that right. The mother of the infamous Reshmi Ramnarine (who changed her name to Shashi Rehka last May) is now embroiled in her own employment scandal. Prematee Ramnarine was somehow promised a promotion to a Namdevco position that doesn't exist and is now in mediation to resolve the situation.


The whole mess might have slid below my radar (might), if not for Prematee's reaction to the Guardian's questions:

Ramnarine, when contacted, told the T&T Guardian she was not prepared to discuss her personal business.

Asked how she felt about Namdevco’s failure to promote her despite the agreement, she replied, “Listen to me. Tell me who gave you the information. Who gave you the information, ask them the questions. “My personal and official business does not concern the T&T Guardian. Whoever is giving you the information...them. Let them answer your questions.”

Fair enough. It's not as if we have a right to know how public funds are being spent, or anything. Can we all agree that using jobs as a form of political patronage is a bad idea?